The Vanuatu Correctional Services has clarified that no presidential pardons were issued for inmates in Port Vila.

Acting Director of Correctional Services, Mr. Albert Nalpini, expressed disappointment over the misreporting and explained that the President, instead of issuing pardons, commuted the sentences of 70 inmates following constitutional procedures.

The inmates, who were previously held at the Tropical Market and Stade Correctional Centres in Port Vila, and the Santo Low Risk Unit, have been released under community-based sentences. For the next two years, they will engage in supervised community work. Any breach of their release conditions will result in their immediate return to custody to serve the remainder of their original sentences.

Mr. Nalpini confirmed the President’s decision was based on recommendations from Correctional Services and an engineering report from the Public Works Department. The report was conducted following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake on December 17, 2024, which claimed 14 lives and caused structural damage to correctional facilities.

“The engineering assessment found that both facilities, built during the colonial era, are no longer structurally sound and must be completely demolished,” Mr. Nalpini said.

He added that the commutation of sentences is part of efforts to ensure a safe and orderly transition while awaiting new facilities. A newly renovated correctional centre at Collardeau, with a capacity of 40, is now in use, while another facility is under construction at Stade.

Currently, the total inmate population across the affected centres stands at over 120, placing strain on available infrastructure.

Mr. Nalpini emphasized that the inmates are not free, and they remain under strict supervision throughout the duration of their community-based sentences.

“They are still under sentence. This is not a pardon. Any breach of conditions will lead to immediate reimprisonment,” he said.